Will Big Baby Miller ever fight again?
The sport of boxing has had lots of scandals, disappointments, and infamous moments. There was the biggest robbery in boxing history, Julio Cesar Chavez’s gift draw against “Sweet Pea” Pernell Whitaker back in 1993. Then there was “Iron” Mike Tyson taking a chunk out of the ear belonging to Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield back in 1997. So the sport is not a stranger to extreme controversy. However, the self-inflicted career destruction of Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (23-0-1, 20) ranks at the top of the list.
THE FAST RISE
“Big Baby” was catching the attention of the entire boxing world with his size and talent. However, what had everyone talking was despite being almost 300lbs, the in-ring work rate was incredible; his gas tank was never empty and he could throw punches like a featherweight.
The Brooklyn, New York fighter was also a charismatic talker. His verbal assaults issued at then-WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-1-1, 41ko) and unified champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (23-1, 21ko) were entertaining.
Miller also had impressive wins over some quality names like Gerald Washington (20-4-1, 13ko), Mariusz Wach (36-6, 19), Johann Duhaupas (38-5, 25ko), Tomasz Adamek (53-6, 31ko), and Bogdan Dinu (19-2, 15ko). Many pundits and fans believed the Brooklyn, New York fighter possessed the ability to eclipse both champions.
Then it happened, the opportunity of a lifetime. British promoter Eddie Hearn was looking to make a splash in the American market and offered Miller home-field advantage in a fight with the unified champion at the famous Madison Square Garden, New York.
THE UGLY FALL
It was supposed to be the moment that the Brooklyn heavyweight had been waiting for. Although, it turned into a complete disaster as word of two failed performance-enhancing drug tests for two different substances killed everything. Now, this was not the end as the talented heavyweight was offered a chance to restore his career when legendary promoter Bob Arum signed him under the Top Rank banner.
It should have been the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Yet, the heavyweight contender once again wasted everything, blowing another opportunity and a chance to redeem himself. Miller would again test positive ahead of a showdown with Jerry Forest (26-4, 20ko). The news lead to Top Rank head honcho releasing a statement declaring that Miller would never fight on a card under their banner, ever.
A CAREER ENDED
An upset Arum delivered harsh words in his reaction.
“How stupid can you be? That was my reaction, If he isn’t banned for life, then I believe it’ll be a multi-year suspension.”
Well, as it has turned out, all the other entities in boxing have not shown interest of any kind in Miller. It is as if he has disappeared or gone into hibernation without leaving a trace.
Furthermore, there are reports that he claims it was a sex drug for the positive test results back in July. However, no one has even been talking about that. The hard truth is boxing has forgotten about Big Baby, and it’s a shame because he could have upset some of the biggest names in the sport, and now we will never know.
By: Garrisson Bland
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